What Constitutes the Crime of Elder Abuse in Texas?

While many accusations of elder abuse are real, some are exaggerated or arise from a misunderstanding. Are you a caretaker who is facing elder abuse charges? If so, you need to protect yourself from criminal charges.

Texas Elder Abuse Laws

While elder abuse is often physical in nature, it refers to any type of mistreatment that causes some sort of damages, such as injuries or financial loss. Under Texas law, abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child, senior or adult with disabilities must be reported by any Texas resident who witnesses it. If the report is made in good faith, the person who files the report will be immune from liability. In addition, their name will be kept confidential.

It is crime to not report abuse. Under Texas law, a person who knows about a situation involving abuse or neglect and does not report it can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. False claims of elder abuse are forbidden and can also result in criminal penalties.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse can come about in various forms. You can be charged and convicted of elder abuse if you commit actions such as the following:

Physical abuse. This occurs when a person causes injuries to an elderly person.

Emotional abuse. This may include name-calling, harassment, intimidation and threats.

Sexual abuse. This often involves sexual activity but can also include unwanted touching and fondling.

Financial abuse. This means using an elderly person’s resources for your own personal gain, such as stealing money, credit cards and financial account information.

Confinement. This involves unnecessary restraint or isolation.

Deprivation. This means intentionally depriving an elderly person of essentials such as food, water, shelter, medication or physical assistance unless the person desires to go without such care.

Neglect. Neglect occurs when a caregiver unintentionally fails to provide an elderly person with food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care and other essentials.

Protecting Yourself From Elder Abuse

Elders are perceived as vulnerable, and in a situation where you are charged with abuse, courts may believe the elder over you. To prevent elder abuse charges, it helps to be proactive. There are things you can do to protect yourself. For example, if you are a caretaker for a family member or other elderly person, contact a lawyer to understand your responsibilities. Ask how you can protect yourself from such allegations, even if they seem unlikely.

Even if you don’t physically provide care for your loved one, you should also seek legal advice if you are in charge of your senior’s finances or estate. You don’t want to be accused of financial abuse.

If you are convicted of elder abuse, you could face serious criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, you could face first, second or third-degree felony charges. A third-degree felony can mean up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A second-degree felony can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A first-degree felony is the most serious, resulting in a $10,000 fine and life in prison.

Get Help From a Collin County Criminal Defense Attorney

When you think of elder abuse, you may think of nursing home staff being accused of such crimes. However, much of the time, family members are the ones facing accusations. This can be an emotional situation for loved ones, especially if they are innocent.

If you are in this situation, make sure you have a solid defense. A Collin County criminal lawyer from Rosenthal & Wadas can assess your case and reduce your charges or even get them eliminated altogether. If you have been charged with elder abuse, schedule a consultation with us. Give our office a call at (972) 369-0577 today.

rosenthal & wadas, pllc

criminal defense law firm in collin county texas

"Rosenthal & Wadas was confident and positive from the very first telephone interview. They assured me that they would work until the end for me and explore every angle of my case. When I was uncertain and scared at times, they were very reassuring. The outcome exceeded my expectation and changed my life in positive ways. I would highly recommend Rosenthal & Wadas."